James Gunn’s new Superman film marks a significant milestone for DC Studios’ ambitious Phase I: Gods and Monsters, drawing strong box office performance. The movie opened with impressive figures of $122 million domestically and $217 million worldwide, making it Gunn’s second biggest opening, following Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Gunn expressed his gratitude via social media, emphasizing the film’s focus on the character’s humanity. “We’ve had a lot of ‘Super’ in Superman over the years, and I’m happy to have made a movie that focuses on the ‘man’ part of the equation – a kind person always looking out for those in need,” he shared. He believes that the film’s theme resonates deeply with audiences, showcasing the inherent kindness and quality of people.
David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, also weighed in, celebrating the film’s success and highlighting the strategic collaboration with Gunn and producer Peter Safran to rejuvenate the storied DC franchise. Zaslav noted that this success is just the beginning, as the studio prepares to introduce Supergirl, Clayface, and the series Lanterns in the coming year as part of a comprehensive ten-year plan.
In a time where cinematic storytelling faces substantial challenges, the success of Superman provides a hopeful outlook for fans and creators alike. It signals a renewed commitment to character-driven narratives and interconnected storytelling within the DC universe, generating excitement for what is in store in the future.